Keys To Victory |
1) Remembering what Clemson football is supposed to be: The ACC is a much improved conference granted, but Clemson should not lose focus of certain things that should happen in Clemson football. Clemson is supposed to hammer Duke on the gridiron. This needs to be remembered. Clemson has a tremendous advantage in talent. When the final second ticks off Saturday, the scoreboard should reflect that. This team has had a lot of frustrating losses this year, and they should put up some big numbers against Duke. Saying this is a revenge game is an embarassment to Clemson football, this game is business Clemson should take of care business easily.
2) Create plays defensively: Duke is averaging 93 yards per game on offense. The defense should create some turnovers and big plays that Coach Bowden and Coach Koenning covet. The defense has played well against some talented offenses in recent weeks, and should get a statistical boost this weekend. The goal is for the defense to move inside the top 25 nationally on the year. 3) No special teams mistakes: A blocked punt last season was costly for the Tigers as it set the Blue Devils up for an easy scoring opportunity. Duke has been terrible all season, and Clemson does not need to give them any confidence by making a special teams mistake. Colin Leonard will handle all of the long snapping now, as Nic Riddle could potentially be out for the season. The Tigers special teams have improved as the season has gone on, and Cole Chason will need to continue to punt like his final two against Georgia Tech. 4) Success in the redzone: The Tigers need to put touchdowns on the board, when they are in the redzone. The Tigers had improved in the redzone until the Georgia Tech game. Touchdowns not field goals will be needed for the Tigers to win down the stretch. 5) The play of Proctor: It is always interesting when a quarterback sees significant action for the first time. Proctor will be very excited at the start of the game, but his emotions need to be in check as he directs the offense. This is the opportunity he has waited patiently for, and his performance could determine how much the coaches play him the rest of the year. Should he play well, he will likely see action against Florida State and South Carolina.
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